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Windows Security: Microsoft classifies Family Safety app as outdated

Microsoft is stopping further development of its own Family Safety app for Windows and officially classifies the application as outdated. Parental control users will have to adapt to browser-based or mobile alternatives in the future.

Off for the Windows application

This now applies to the well-known Windows version of the Family Safety app. The application is no longer being actively developed and will be removed from a future Windows version. It allows guardians to limit usage times for apps, games and Xbox and keep track of their children’s digital activities. Microsoft released a corresponding app for Android and iOS in July 2020. It bundles parental control functions and provides usage reports on activities on PCs and smartphones. The Windows application, which is now classified as outdated, remains usable for the time being, but no longer receives any new functions.

Focus on web and mobile apps

Microsoft is shifting the focus of parental controls to web-based management. As Deskmodder reported, users can continue to access the functions via the Microsoft Family app or the Family Safety web portal until it is removed from the operating system. The Windows settings under “Account” and “Family” also remain a contact point for the time being. In September 2026, Microsoft updated the web version and mobile apps. The updates fix, among other things, delays in releases and issues with missing activity reports.

New accessibility options

Microsoft is also adjusting accessibility notifications. In the Windows 11 Insider Beta Preview Build 26320.9876, the automatic pop-up instructions for activating the “snap function” and the “stop delay” can be permanently hidden.

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